The 16 games Jameer Nelson missed with a knee injury were not much of a problem for the Orlando Magic but his return to the lineup could be.

Backup Jason Williams was far more instrumental in the Magic’s 117-92 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, as Nelson was the only Orlando player with a negative plus/minus at minus-12.

Stan Van Gundy said there were extenuating circumstances behind Wednesday’s performance. Still, the coach sounded frustrated about Nelson’s limited ability to practice after his knee swelled up following the Christmas Day loss to Boston.

Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge sprained his left ankle in the team’s win over the Clippers on Wednesday night.

Aldridge left the game with 5:40 left in the first quarter.

“This has gone past crazy,” Portland coach Nate McMillan said.

“It’s bad luck, or whatever, to continue to see our guys drop the way that we are. To walk into the locker room and see LaMarcus Aldridge in a boot — not just a swollen ankle — but a boot. It’s a credit to these guys.”

As far as NBA players go, Steve Nash qualifies as a senior citizen. Many of the league’s point guards are at least 10 years younger than Nash, who is more hippie than hip-hop.

But nearing his 36th birthday, Nash is showing no signs of decline. In fact, he just might be playing better offensively as any over-35 point guard ever.

“It’s incredible,” said Mark Jackson, who ranks third all-time in assists behind John Stockton and Jason Kidd. “To me, he is in a discussion with any other point guard that has played this game not named Magic.”